What you need to do to renew in Texas

In Texas, you can renew your driver's license online, by mail, or in person at a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most people renew online through the official Texas DPS website — it takes about 10 minutes and costs less than renewing in person. You are may be able to access to renew online if your license is not expired by more than two years, you have no medical or vision restrictions that have changed, and you have not had any address changes that need updating.

If you cannot renew online, you will need to visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license, proof of residency (a utility bill or lease dated within 90 days), and your Social Security number. If your address has changed, bring the residency document. Processing takes a few minutes, and you will receive your new license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas allows online renewal through the DPS website if your license expired less than two years ago and you have no medical restrictions.
  • Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license, and you receive your new license by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • In-person renewal at a DPS office requires your current license, proof of residency dated within 90 days, and your Social Security number.
  • If your license has been expired for more than two years, you must renew in person and may need to pass a vision test.

Renewing online through the Texas DPS website

Online renewal is the fastest and most convenient option if you meet the requirements. Go to the Texas DPS website, select "Renew Your Driver License," and enter your driver's license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will verify your information and show you the renewal fee based on how many years you want your license to be valid.

You will pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card during the online process. Once your payment is processed, your new license will be mailed to the address on file. If you need to change your address before renewing, you must do that in person or by mail — the online renewal system does not allow address changes.

Keep in mind that online renewal does not include a new photo. Your new license will use the photo from your current license. If you want a new photo, you must renew in person at a DPS office.

Renewing in person at a DPS office

Visit any Texas DPS office to renew in person. You will need to bring your current driver's license, proof of residency (such as a utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement dated within the last 90 days), and know your Social Security number. If your address has changed, the residency document must show your new address.

At the office, a staff member will take a new photo for your license and may ask you to read an eye chart to check your vision. The renewal fee is the same as online ($16 for four years or $32 for eight years), and you can pay by cash, check, or card. Your new license will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Wait times at DPS offices vary by location and time of day. Offices are typically less busy early in the morning on weekdays. You can check the wait time for your local office on the Texas DPS website before you go.

Renewing by mail

Texas allows mail renewal only in specific situations — usually if you are unable to visit an office due to a disability or if you are a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder renewing a non-commercial license. Contact your local DPS office to ask whether you are may be able to access for mail renewal and to request the process form.

If you are approved for mail renewal, you will send your current license, the completed process form, and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the address provided by DPS. Processing takes longer by mail — typically 4 to 6 weeks from the time DPS receives your materials. Your new license will be mailed to you once it is ready.

What happens if your license has expired

If your Texas driver's license expired less than two years ago, you can still renew online or in person using the standard process. If your license expired more than two years ago, you cannot renew — you must explore for a new license instead. This requires visiting a DPS office in person, passing a written test, and passing a vision test.

If your license has been expired for more than two years and you need to drive, contact your local DPS office to find out what steps you need to take. The office can tell you whether you need to take the written test again or whether you may be able to skip it based on how long it has been since you originally received your license.

Changing your address or updating your information

If you need to change your address, you cannot do it through online renewal. You must renew in person at a DPS office or by mail (if you are may be able to access). Bring your current license and proof of residency showing your new address dated within 90 days.

If you need to update other information — such as your name due to marriage or a legal name change — you must visit a DPS office in person. Bring your current license and documents that prove the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The DPS office will tell you what documents you need to bring.

Finding your nearest DPS office and checking hours

The Texas DPS website has a tool to find the DPS office nearest you and see its hours of operation. You can search by city or zip code. Many offices are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, though some locations have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Check the website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit.

Some DPS offices require you to make an appointment for renewal, while others accept walk-ins. The office locator tool on the DPS website will tell you whether your local office takes appointments and how to schedule one if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to renew a Texas driver's license?

Online renewal costs $16 for a four-year license or $32 for an eight-year license. In-person renewal costs the same. You pay by credit card or debit card online, or by cash, check, or card at a DPS office.

Can I renew my license if it is currently suspended or revoked?

No. You must resolve the suspension or revocation before you can renew. Contact the Texas DPS to find out why your license is suspended or revoked and what you need to do to clear it.

What if I lost my driver's license and need to renew it?

If your license is lost, you cannot renew it online. You must visit a DPS office in person to report it lost and explore for a replacement. Bring proof of identity and proof of residency. The replacement license costs the same as a renewal.

How long does it take to receive my renewed license in the mail?

After you renew online or in person, your new license arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer — typically 4 to 6 weeks from when DPS receives your materials.

Can I drive while I wait for my renewed license to arrive?

Yes. Your current license remains valid until it expires, even after you have renewed. Once your new license arrives, your old one is no longer valid.